**Abstract**

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder with an important genetic component. Studies in monozygotic twins have revealed a concordance rate of 50% indicating that environmental factors might play a significant role in the development of the disease. Genes that are implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus erythematosus include HLA, Interferon genes, complement genes, cytokine genes (TNF, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-23), NF-κB genes, ITGAM gene, PPP2CA genes, SIAE genes, SLAMF molecules, PTPN22, BLK, BANK1, PD-1 and X-linked genes (AIRE gene and others). Epigenetic factors which alter only the expression but not the DNA structure may also interfere with the development of the disease.

**Keywords:** lupus erythematosus, interferon, complement, TNF, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-23, NF-κB, ITGAM, PPP2CA, SIAE, SLAMF, PTPN22, BLK, BANK1, PD-1, X-linked genes, chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, neonatal lupus, subacute lupus erythematosus, chilblain lupus, TREX1 gene, epigenetics
